NIGK14020U Core to Crust: Earth´s Evolution and Processes (part 2)

Volume 2018/2019
Education

MSc Programme in Geology-Geoscience

Content

Geochemical evolution of Earth from 4.6 Ga to today; geochemistry and mineralogy of Earth components (core, mantle, crust), high temperature geochemical processes; isotopic tracers; high pressure and temperature mineralogy; planetary sciences and cosmochemistry; geochemistry of meteorites and their relationship to the origin and evolution of the Earth, solar system, and universe; origin and distribution of the elements, minerals and rocks; geochemical cycles in the crust and mantle; application of thermodynamic and kinetic principles to geochemical processes.

Special focus will be on mineralogy and geochemistry of the oceanic and continental crust, metamorphism of the continental crust, the geochemical cycles in the crust and mantle, application of thermodynamic and kinetic principles to geochemical processes, and high temperature geochemical processes

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:

  • Geochemistry and mineralogy of Earth components (core, mantle, crust) and in particular the crust-mantle system
  • Isotopic tracers
  • High pressure and temperature mineralogy
  • Mineralogy of the deep mantle


Skills:

  • Description of the general characteristics of the different geochemical reservoirs within the Earth, the interplays between them, in particulat the crust-mantle system
  • Knowledge of the chemical and mineralogical variations within the different Earth’s geochemical reservoirs in terms of geochemical processes linked to modern plate tectonic theory, lithospheric recycling and geodynamics, and to thermodynamic and crystallographic principles
  • Application of isotopic tracers to high-temperature petrological problems


Competences:

  • Familiarity with the on-going and past processes that have led to the structure of the Earth’s crust-mantle system
  • describe the general characteristics of the different geochemical reservoirs within the Earth, the interplays between the crust and mantle, and explain these within the framework of the evolution of the planet
  • explain chemical and mineralogical variations within the different Earth’s geochemical reservoirs in terms of geochemical processes linked to modern plate tectonic theory, lithospheric recycling and geodynamics, and to thermodynamic and crystallographic principles.
Literature

Please see Absalon course page.

BSc in Geology-Geoscience or equivalent is recommended. In order to participate students are strongly recommended to have a knowledge corresponding to that obtained in part 1 of the course.
The form of teaching is theory exercises combined with ad hoc lectures. For the teaching plan, please see Absalon.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Preparation
  • 136
  • Project work
  • 35
  • Theory exercises
  • 35
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment, during course
Oral examination, 20 minutes
The written assignment is prepared during the course and must be handed in prior to the exam week. The oral exam uses the written assignment as its point of departure. It includes the titles listed in the officially approved reading list. A combined grade is given after the oral exam.
Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Re-exam

Re-submission of written assignment, 20 minutes oral examination. The written assignment must be handed in prior to the re-examination week. The oral exam uses the written assignment as its point of departure. It includes the titles listed in the officially approved reading list.

Criteria for exam assesment

Please see learning outcome.